Pete Soto Chili Cook-Off benefit set for Feb. 23

AVON -- Police departments from Lorain County and beyond will compete for a good cause next month in the third annual "Pete Soto Chili Cook-Off."

On Feb. 23, a total of 12 departments will each prepare homemade chili for the 600 guest expected to be in attendance.

The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Avon Knights of Columbus, 1783 Moore Road. Tickets are $15 and cover chili, beer, soda, and desserts. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Avon Police Department at 440-934-234.

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The event is named for Soto, an Avon Police officer, who was seriously injured on duty in 2010 when motorcycle collided with a pickup truck that pulled out in front of him on SR 83.

In 2011, Avon Police officer Chris Barton and the Lorain County Blue Foundation conducted the first chili cook-off which raised $10,000 for families of officers who have been injured or lost in the line of duty.

This year's participating agencies include police from Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Elyria, Lorain, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, Sheffield Village and Vermilion, the Lorain County Sheriff's Office, Lorain County Metro Parks, Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 47 and the Cleveland Heights and Columbus police departments.